“Christmas” is being put away; now the motif is snowmen, and this is a new snowman … with personal meaning. Daughter Jenny gave it to Clare for Christmas. Clare’s dad, named David, would strike what we called his “Saint David” pose: hands clasped as if in prayer and cheeks sucked in with eyes heavenward. Probably equivalent to “I will neither confirm nor deny…” or — as the sign on this snowman’s hat says — “I’ve been really really good.” Now proudly at the middle of the mantel.
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...